The couple, of King's Lynn in Norfolk, have now agreed a letter of intent over his wellbeing. If they fail to stick to the terms, legal proceedings will begin and the child will be taken into care.

He’s always been big. He was born with shovels for hands and spades for feet

Wee Chubby's dad

They have already failed to reduce Wee Chubby's weight on a voluntary plan they agreed to earlier this year.

His dad said: "He’s always been big. He was born with shovels for hands and spades for feet. Everyone on my side of the family is big.

"There’s nothing we can do about it. I only eat occasional kebabs. Our son’s favourite snack is steamed broccoli — and he’s still big."

Norfolk Police has defended its decision to take action.

A force spokesman said officers from the child abuse investigation unit worked closely with health and social services to deal with "sensitive issues such as obesity and neglect of a child".

A police spokesman added: "While it is inappropriate to comment on this case specifically, it is important to stress that intervention at this level is very rare and will only occur where other attempts to protect the child have been unsuccessful."